Justice Ministry at First Baptist Greenville
Why Justice Ministry Is Important
Bringing together 28 ecumenical partner congregations from across Greenville County, the purpose of GOAL Justice is to advocate for those who are too often forgotten and ignored—the “least of these,” as Jesus would say—and to answer the biblical call to work alongside them for equity and fairness in our community. It is important to me, personally, for this congregation to be involved in justice ministry in Greenville because witnessing and participating in this church’s work in our community the past 25 years has helped me better understand that the call to address injustice and inequity in the world ultimately comes from God’s word and is articulated in the life of Jesus Christ.
How to Get Involved with Our GOAL Justice Team
Team Leadership—Team Leaders meet once a month and shepherd Network Members through the yearly justice ministry cycle, making sure they have all the needed information and that they are aware of upcoming GOAL events. Current Team Leaders include: Julie Treu, Patrick Bairefoot, Kathy Sharp, Kathy Stewart, Flo Mauney, Kristin Lewis, Becky Bouton, Sara Mansbach, Dan Dorroh and Bruce Brown.
Network Membership—Network members meet with our Team Leaders twice a year, commit to attend three GOAL events, and commit to invite three friends to attend the annual Nehemiah Action Assembly (see below). Currently First Baptist has over 60 GOAL Network Members!
Attendance at the Nehemiah Action—GOAL needs many people present at the Nehemiah Action on April 15 to show support for affordable housing and a fully staffed mental health crisis line in the Upstate. Numbers matter, and this is THE EVENT to not miss: April 15, 6:30pm, Bethlehem Baptist.
The Issues GOAL Justice Is Currently Addressing
Mental Health
• As of January 2023, only 60 out of 130 callers per day to the 988 mental health crisis line were able to receive an in-state response.
• The 988 crisis line needs to be fully funded so that adequate staff are able to answer every call or text.
• Next Steps: GOAL will continue to follow up with our state legislators to ensure that 988 stays funded next year and in future years to make sure those in crisis get the help they need.
Affordable Housing
• Greenville County has a shortage of at least 10,000 homes for low-income households.
• A report commissioned by local officials in 2016 found that solving our housing crisis would require at least $20MM dollars a year of local investment.
• At the upcoming 2024 Nehemiah Action, GOAL officials, along with more than 1,600 committee justice seekers, will gather to ask our city and county council members to each commit to working towards $10MM per year for affordable housing, and for at least one-third of that to go towards housing low-income families.
The Bottom Line
The stories about the record number of families being evicted in Greenville and families losing out on housing, all due to structures and systems that have more influence over their lives than their income; the stories about people not having access to the mental health care that they need in Greenville, because of their lack of income or lack of insurance or because the 988 crisis call line is understaffed; all of these stories God has already heard. Justice ministry is the church’s faithful work of catching up to what has already gained God’s attention.
May it continue to be so here at First Baptist Greenville.
Peace and Grace and Justice,
Matt Rollins
If you are interested in becoming more involved, or simply learning more about GOAL Justice at First Baptist please contact me.
“And what does the Lord require of you? To do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” —Micah 6:8